Authorities ID young sisters who died in Putnam blaze

The office of Connecticut’s chief medical examiner said two girls found dead after a house fire in Putnam died of smoke inhalation.

The girls were identified as Alexis Auger and her younger sister, Ava Auger, according to The Associated Press.

The two children, ages 3 years old and 9 months old, were unable to escape their third floor apartment at 6-8 Prospect St.

The fire was reported at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday.

Firefighters said the intense flames and heavy smoke prevented anyone from entering the Victorian-style home.

According to assessor’s records, the house is owned by Eastern Connecticut Contractors.

The Victorian-style home was built in 1867 and was converted into five apartments; its assessed value was $292,000.

The girls’ mother, who is pregnant, has been hospitalized. Four others were treated for nonlife-threatening injuries.

The cause of death was released Wednesday following autopsies by the medical examiner’s office.

Fire Marshal Norm Perron said fire was caused by accident but it will be difficult to know for sure

because the damage is so widespread, according to the Associated Press.

The structural damage to the home was so significant that it needed to be stabilized before state troopers and firefighters could enter to begin their investigation, according to Connecticut State Police.

Investigators, including a state police officer and cadaver dog, combed through the debris into the late Tuesday afternoon. The bodies of the children were found on the third floor.